I was shocked to see Gucci selling handbags at Costco (Wholesale Corporation which is now the seventh largest retailer in the world). What is happening to this world?
Has Gucci become so desperate for money that they have to resort to selling their merchandise to Costco? If they keep this up, I wouldn’t be too surprised to see Gucci handbags at your local swap meet or flea market. Of course I am happy to see Gucci selling for such great prices; however, I just feel it may hurt their brand image.
What do you think?
I know this is an old thread but it still comes up on searches SO... my two cents :)
I own guccis, LVs, prada, chanel, and some lesser American designers like Kate Spade and Tory Burch. When I saw these bags at Costco a few years ago, I was in no way offended but rather excited... I even felt a little wrong getting a purse at such a great price point. I quickly snatched up a classic hobo-style purse in a classic brown monogram with dark brown leather trim and had a lengthy check out where a manager had to go the locked up backroom to pull the handbag. Anyhow, I have been using it faithfully ever since as my cheap throw around everday bag. If there's no purse hook, I'm okay to rest it on the floor, if there's rain, I don't really worry, and if i'ts stuffed to the brim, I don't care about it getting mishapen. And here's the crazy part... with all this "misuse", now almost 2 years after heavy wear and tear, it looks excellent... no fraying on the canvas, the hardware is pristine and shiny, and the leather has softened and gotten very soft and buttery. I could tell when I bought it that they used a lesser material in some places but where it counts, it was made with durable goods. I suppose I just don't understand being so offput by Costco (a wonderful retailer in my opinion that cares about their employees) to the point where I would pass up on an excellent buy. And also... really? It's just gucci... it isn't that special. It's kind of a little bit eurotrash in my opinion. If I wanted to play the "snooty" card, I could think a dozen other brands to invest in.
1st and foremost, kudos to you for buying your wife a purse; stand up kind of guy here. I also appreciate your posting. I will say; however, that I can speak on behalf of most of my compatriots, if I may, when I say that I don't want a fake purse. I can assure you that I am not snooty in any shape or form. I want a real purse for the simple fact that it makes me feel good, same if you have a nice-fitting and well-made suit for instance. I just bought a Ferragamo purse at Bloomingdales and thought I found the same one on Costco Wholesale, but upon closer inspection, I discovered that it is not the same at all. The outside looks very close, but it is completely different inside and labels too. In addition, if there is ever interest in selling these purses on eBay or Craig's List, for instance, it would have to be disclosed that the manufacture's authenticity cards would not be included (all high end purses have these), plus the fabric carrier that also comes with all authentic purses. If your wife enjoys her purses, that is all that really counts.
I just talked to someone at Gucci corporate who confirmed the bags at Costco are 100% legit and legal. They are indeed made by Gucci for Costco. Therefore they might use different materials in different factories and might not be the same quality as what we buy in a Gucci boutique but they are real and Gucci stands by them.
I was at costco today the bags are probably fake. The leather felt like plastic and the bag was poorly constructed. There was even a small scuff/tear in the "leather" on the inside of the bag. Maybe gucci is making these especially for costco. I will definitely steer clear from these bags.
I just purcased one last night. After looking closer I also feel the quality is not there. I'm taking mine back. I also agree I believe these are seconds.
I'm not sayin that Gucci bags are fake BUT this morning February 18 2013 the news I was watching claimed Tiffany is suing Costco for selling fake necklaces. I just want people to be more aware that if It's to good to be true it usually is.
I saw the bags at Costco and I am not offended or impressed. The bags that were sold (if they are authentic) are not Guccii quality like my bags out of the shop. There are no Gucci markings on the rings, zipper, nothing....
I own several authentic Gucci bags, some leather, some fabric, from different seasons and years. I always look under the zipper pull, at the back of the little metal section. It should be engraved "Gucci." If it isn't, I would guess it's fake. They engrave the back of all zippers, even the ones inside the bag. If you go to a Gucci boutique, you will find that this is the case. Also, authentic Gucci bags are made of the finest quality materials. There have been other retailers that have been fooled by fake Gucci bags in the past. I don't think that Costco buyers are necessarily professionals when it comes to designer handbags.
Costco would NEVER sell a fake product. I've bought my wife several Gucci bags over the years, and after inspection of these bags they are without a doubt 100% real. Costco is known for selling high end products (I've seen Prada bags on a few occasions), so this should not hurt the Gucci brand in any way shape or form. Smells like a bunch of snooty women in here that are worried about their social status... grow up!
Yup Costco will never sell fake. They order them directly from the company but being it is sold in an affordable price, the presentation is a little different from the boutiques. Same goes with thei jeans such us the 'Lucky brand', the zipper might be of different quality than the o Ed I. The boutiques but it's still authentic.
I have two Gucci purses that I bought at the Gucci store and I have no problem with them selling at Costco! In fact, I'm going to head over this afternoon to check them out. I LOVE Costco!
I saw these bags last night at Costco in Alhambra, CA. I agree that there was something off about them. I went to the Gucci website this morning and these actual bags are not in their website so perhaps they were specifically made for Costco using less expensive components. I also saw a couple of Prada bags at the same store. They were a little over $1000.00. Didn't get to touch those but they did look nice.
I bought one of these bags at the Costco in Danville CA (a $399, dark green fabric & leather-trimmed tote) and I believe it is either fake or a second. I have multiple Gucci products and this does not compare. There are several things wrong and/or suspicious about this bag, including that the exterior fabric and lining feels thin and cheap, the stitching is frayed in places, the dust cover is dark brown and rough -- whereas the cover that came with my most recent purse (a black bag purchased in Italy) is lighter brown and soft -- the box in which it came bore no Gucci markings, Gucci corporate refused to tell me whether Costco is an authorized reseller, and more.
If this bag is not a fake or a second, then Gucci has gone completely downhill and no longer makes quality products.
Take a VERY good look at these bags before you buy them!
I disagree. This does not hurt the brand. Everybody loves a deal and its not like Gucci came to Costco and asked to sell their purses. Costco goes to them (just like all the other high end brands they carry)... Work out a deal and Gucci gives them a certain amount and style. This is just helping the working girls who can't afford full retail price at a not so shocking price tag.
I own guccis, LVs, prada, chanel, and some lesser American designers like Kate Spade and Tory Burch. When I saw these bags at Costco a few years ago, I was in no way offended but rather excited... I even felt a little wrong getting a purse at such a great price point. I quickly snatched up a classic hobo-style purse in a classic brown monogram with dark brown leather trim and had a lengthy check out where a manager had to go the locked up backroom to pull the handbag. Anyhow, I have been using it faithfully ever since as my cheap throw around everday bag. If there's no purse hook, I'm okay to rest it on the floor, if there's rain, I don't really worry, and if i'ts stuffed to the brim, I don't care about it getting mishapen. And here's the crazy part... with all this "misuse", now almost 2 years after heavy wear and tear, it looks excellent... no fraying on the canvas, the hardware is pristine and shiny, and the leather has softened and gotten very soft and buttery. I could tell when I bought it that they used a lesser material in some places but where it counts, it was made with durable goods. I suppose I just don't understand being so offput by Costco (a wonderful retailer in my opinion that cares about their employees) to the point where I would pass up on an excellent buy. And also... really? It's just gucci... it isn't that special. It's kind of a little bit eurotrash in my opinion. If I wanted to play the "snooty" card, I could think a dozen other brands to invest in.
It's to good to be true it usually is.
This is a sad sad day.
I agree with you.
I'm not too sure if Costco would dare to sell fake Gucci products. However, a second may be more probable.
If this bag is not a fake or a second, then Gucci has gone completely downhill and no longer makes quality products.
Take a VERY good look at these bags before you buy them!
You do have a valid point. I just feel that consumers who spent top dollars on their Gucci bag will feel a bit uneasy.
Jen